Rani Mukerji described Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna as a film which was ahead of its time and said that filmmaker Karan Johar was bold to make a movie on this subject back then.
Karan Johar, known for his family entertainers, left everyone surprised when he explored the theme of infidelity in his 2006 film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. The film featured Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta and Amitabh Bachchan in pivotal roles.
Recently, Rani Mukerji attended a masterclass at the 54th International Film Festival of India in Goa wherein she talked about how Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna left an impact on the audience post its release.
As per a report in Indian Express, Rani told the audience that the Karan Johar directorial revealed a lot of uncomfortable truths about Indian marriages, which led to a spike in the divorce rate.
Calling the film an ‘eye-opener’, she explained, “I think what happened with Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna was that, after the film (was released), there were a lot of divorces. There were a lot of people going to the theatre and watching the film in extreme discomfort. And I think that is the feedback Karan got for his film, and I think it opened eyes for a lot of people and they took the decision of being happy.”
She also reflected upon her character Maya in the film and shared, “What is beautiful about Maya’s character is that she loved Rishi in a different capacity and as a friend. What she found in Shah Rukh’s character was the romance she was always looking for.”
She continued, “It is very important to talk about a woman’s wants and her choices. Just because the husband doesn’t beat you, it does not mean that he is good in bed or you are in love with him. A women is never allowed or asked, ‘Are you attracted to this man?’”
Further, Rani was all praise for the film’s director Karan Johar and said that he was bold enough to make a film like that at a time when he wasn’t sure what was happening. The actress said that it is important to stand by strong films and strong roles and added that Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna will always be remembered as a film which was always ahead of its time in the history of Indian cinema.
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna revolves around how an ex footballer Dev (Shah Rukh Khan) and a teacher Maya (Rani Mukerji, both married to different people, find true love in each other.
